Researchers at Cardiff University have developed a unique beer using brewer’s yeast derived from the gut microbiome of killer honeybees in Namibia. Dubbed “The Killer Bee Beer,” this innovative brew stems from a collaboration between Cardiff University and the University of Namibia aimed at sustainable environmental development.
The idea emerged when Cardiff microbiologists, while visiting Namibia, became fascinated by the Africanised honey bee, also known as the killer bee. Professor Les Baillie from Cardiff University’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences explained, “Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as brewer’s yeast, is found in the gut microbiome of honeybees. During our project in Namibia, we isolated this yeast from naturally deceased killer bees.”
Upon returning to Cardiff, the team combined the isolated yeast from the killer bees with yeast from Welsh honey bees to brew several batches of beer. This initiative is part of the broader ‘Pharmabees’ project, which originally aimed to explore how pollination of specific plants could aid in developing treatments for superbugs and antibiotic resistance.
The Pharmabees project has placed numerous bee hives around Cardiff University, alongside specific plants, to encourage the production of super-honey and support superbug research at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The scientists are now seeking a brewing partner to bring ‘The Killer Bee Beer’ to market, with proceeds supporting bee research in Wales. Professor Baillie remarked, “Our Killer Bee Beer is a fun side project within our larger Pharmabees studies. Our research into bees is revealing how honey, beeswax, and other bee by-products can address some of the world’s significant challenges, including antibiotic resistance and superbugs. By using brewer’s yeast from naturally deceased bees, we can produce a beer that not only funds and highlights research but also enhances the understanding of bees on a microbiological level.”
